FINSTAR

Finstar Financial Group Enhances Its M&A Capabilities as It Pursues Substantial Growth Opportunities in Financial Technology

Finstar Financial Group announces the further enhancement of its M&A
capabilities. Paul Muhr recently joined Finstar and has been appointed
to lead the Group’s M&A and Capital Markets projects. The corporate
developments will help Finstar capitalize on the substantial growth
opportunities in the financial technology industry.

Paul Muhr has more than 9 years of experience in banking of which he
spent almost 7 years in investment banking working on various M&A, IPO
and financing projects for FIG clients, predominantly banks and consumer
finance companies in EMEA. Prior to joining Finstar, he most recently
worked as a Vice President at Citi and was previously at Goldman Sachs
in 2010-2015, based both in London and Moscow. From 2007-2010, he worked
at Citi in London, where he started his career.

“With the adoption of fintech services anticipated to double in 2016
among digitally active consumers, fintech disruption has gathered
momentum that will not subside. Clients seek unparalleled speed and
convenience that can only be achieved with a focus on data and the
industry’s rapid rise presents significant opportunity for
consolidation. We are delighted to welcome Paul to the team and know
that his experience and insights will be instrumental as we reinforce
our commitment to the sector”.

This current appointment is in line with Finstar’s strategy to grow its
financial technology and consumer finance capabilities. The company
recently established strategic partnerships with several fast-growing
lenders across Europe, including Spanish financial group Prestamos Prima
(the companies plan to jointly extend its P2P platform Viventor), and
Euroloan, a Northern European fintech company. Last year, Finstar also
announced the launch of its own portfolio company, Digital Finance
International, with the aim of applying technology to deliver tailored
consumer lending solutions globally.

About Finstar

Finstar Financial Group is an international private equity group.
Founded in 1996, the Group has significant experience in launching
start-up projects and in restructuring and expanding of companies in
selected industries. Finstar operates in financial markets, the IT and
telecoms field, perfumery-cosmetic retailing and in commercial and trade
real estate. The Group has under its management assets worth a total of
more than $2 billion. Over the years Finstar has developed substantial
operational experience which helps to implement a value-adding strategy,
introducing high international standards of corporate governance,
innovation, marketing and building competitive advantages, all of which
are vital to create value in the long-term.